SLPP Defends Chairman Songa, Calls APC Claims “Fear Politics”

Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has issued a strong response to the All People’s Congress (APC) after the opposition accused SLPP Chairman Jimmy Batilo Songa of using dangerous rhetoric during the party’s recent leadership handover on October 18, 2025.

Chairman Emeritus, Prince Harding, and Chairman Sir Batilo Songa

The APC, in its statement dated October 20, alleged that Chairman Songa’s call to the “President, Army, Soldiers and Marshals” posed a threat to democratic governance and state institutions. But the SLPP has fired back, calling the accusations baseless and false.

“This is a new species of SLPP leadership and followers,” the SLPP declared, warning the APC that “you will not succeed again.”

The ruling party says Songa’s words were misrepresented. According to the SLPP, he called on supporters to unite lawfully under what he called the “Political Army”—not a militia, but a movement of grassroots supporters, bloggers, and democratic activists.

“The truth is the truth; your scheme has failed,” the SLPP said to the APC. “We believe in the power of ideas, not intimidation; of ballots, not bullets.”

The SLPP insists that Chairman Songa never encouraged violence. Instead, his speech promoted “lawful political participation, not coercion,” and urged unity among those committed to the nation’s peace and democratic progress.

“Our democracy is stronger than lies,” the SLPP added, describing the APC’s narrative as “dangerous falsehoods and betrayal.”

They further criticized the APC for spreading what they called “mischievous melodrama and planned chaos,” accusing the opposition of distracting the public from its internal problems and lack of leadership.

In closing, SLPP National Secretary General Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally promised the party would continue to “lead with integrity, inclusivity, and an unshakeable belief in democracy.”